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Photograph by: Ward Perrin, PNG Files
, Vancouver Sun

A yellow Lab named Newton is providing unconditional love to people at the Dr. Peter Centre.

One of the recipients of Newton's affection is Marco Pitte, who has been living with HIV/AIDS for about two decades.

"Newton's love for me is incredible," Pitte said. "The way he acts when I arrive at the centre, he gets very excited. Sometimes I don't feel up to par and he brings me back up. He's just a wonderful dog."

In the care of recreational therapist Melissa Clave Brule, Newton visits the Dr. Peter Centre four days a week, from Sunday to Wednesday. Pitte often spends his days at the facility as part of its day health program, socializing with other participants.

Pitte grew up with dogs. He had a German shepherd named Kiki when he was a child.

"I just feel like he's my companion," Pitte said of Newton, who is one of two dogs that visit the centre.

"He keeps me motivated, walking around. We go up and down the stairs and we visit different parts of the Dr. Peter Centre." They also go out for walks. Now 48, Pitte worked mainly in the logging industry and in construction in Alberta. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1987 but continued to work. He had to quit his last job, making custom doors in Edmonton, when he injured his back 10 years ago. He has been on disability since.

Pitte said he would love to get his own pet, but can't afford it.

Newton has been visiting the Dr. Peter Centre since September of 2011. Pitte started coming to the facility shortly afterwards.

Clave Brule, who brings four-year-old Newton to the centre as part of her recreational therapy practice, said the dog makes the rounds at the facility, but "Marco is definitely his favourite."

"They have a special bond. I think it started because one of Newton's favourite snacks is a banana, and Marco figured this out. The rest is love and bananas."

Clave Brule has leased Newton for 10 years, which is considered the length of his working life, from Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS).

"They raise the dogs from puppies to graduation to work with people who are in wheelchairs in order to open doors, turn on lights, open the fridge, carry their keys, be their purse," Clave Brule said. "The dog is an extension of their arms and legs. Newton almost graduated, but he didn't quite have what it takes.

"He didn't want to pick things up if somebody dropped their socks or something."

But PADS recognized his other talents. He has been bred to not have any aggressive tendencies.

"They breed the best dogs to get dogs that can work," Clave Brule said.

Other dogs that trained at Pacific Assistance with Clave Brule and Newton include one that works with Delta Emergency Services.

The recreational therapist also takes Newton to a seniors' care facility. "He's like a movie star when he comes in. Everybody remembers him."

The interaction with Newton is more sedate at a seniors' centre than it is with Pitte, Clave Brule said. "And seniors, if they have Alzheimer's, will call him by the name of the dog they had when they were little. There was one woman who had a golden retriever while her children were growing, and that's her memory of all yellow dogs. She says, 'Oh, it's Honey,' or, 'Do you remember when we used to take Honey and the kids on a picnic?'"

Clave Brule believes in Newton's healing powers.

"What I have found is that he can provide people with unconditional love, whether the person makes a lot of money, doesn't make any money, is homeless, is on their deathbed. He's visited people and said goodbye to people who are in palliative care. Your standard of living, or who you are, there's no difference to a dog. There are no barriers to a dog's love for a person. As long as the person is good to them."

For stories and videos on traditional medicine and holistic wellness go to vancouversun. com/empoweredhealth

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